afghani glass

March 16, 2008

I was going to title this post ‘a man from afghanistan’, because it is as much about the man who sold me these beads as it is about the beads themselves. At the recent Auckland Gift Show the only thing that really caught my interest was a display of strings and strings of these little chunks of glass. These images I shot do them little justice. Some look like fossilized wood, some have iridescent mineral deposits, all of them emanate a mesmerizing energy that can only be described as ‘authentic’. In the journey that is my life, I have always been particularly attracted to objects and people that embody this quality.

I made a call to the number listed on the dealer’s card, and yesterday afternoon Kyle and I went to the inner city flat of Q and his family. I didn’t know what to expect, but what we found was amazing.

We were greeted by a traditional Afghan family, and in the most hospitable way, we sat drinking orange juice and chatting before getting on to the business of buying. Q and his wife had lived in Afghanistan during the Taliban’s rule. They have family living there today. Q takes trips back to buy precious stones, silver jewellery, and antique glass beads, which in light of recent events seems more than a little dangerous. Q supports his wife and 4 children by selling these things all over the world. He even lived in Texas for a while.

He pulled out cotton strings weighed down with chunks of turquoise, lapis, coral and amber. All natural, nothing inauthentic. But what I was really interested in were the glass pieces.

“They found an ancient city in the Afghan desert,” he said. “Many pieces of glassware were discovered, but many of them had been broken.” They made these pieces into beads. Two thousand years old? Very possible… I believed him.

Blowing our budget for the week, we bought three strings, and have plans to go back for more. In my mind’s eye I see some of the best jewellery galleries in the world carrying pieces made from them. But am I up to the task? Can I create a setting that will show the beauty and authenticity of these artifacts?

There was something so lovable about Q, his timid wife, and their long-lashed children (that are self-possessed beyond their years and speak perfect New Zealand english). Sitting in a room far away from our two birth countries, I wondered what he must think of me. Looking again at his business card, which didn’t even list his name (but did have the email address of his teenage son) I wondered how he found enough business to survive. I made a mental note to find a way to help.

The obstacles I have had to overcome here are insignificant in comparison.

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6 Responses to “afghani glass”

Wow, what a “story” and absolutely stunning beads. I think they are beautiful and the history which accompanies them is truly priceless. If ever you feel like sharing your business contact then please let me know. I have linked your blog in my B&B arty buddies section. Kylee

These are so beautiful and exactly the kind of thing that I would buy as well. When I was in Mali, I bought strands and strands of glass beads that were hundreds of years old. But none as poetic as yours.

Hi,
I am currently in Afghanistan and thinking of buying some old beads similar to yours and some very different. As you say in usual Afghan style I’m not sure I’m bargaining well enough. I want to keep some and sell some to try to recoop my expendature. What do feel a strand of old glass beads are worth?

I have become intrigued by old beads and love these old glass ones- with such a wonderful story as well.
Do you think the gentleman would sell me some old beads, I live in Dunedin and will be visiting Auckland in March.